A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives the person you choose permission to act on your behalf but they are not all the same.
A durable power of attorney (DPOA) means that the document stays in effect if you become incapacitated and unable to handle matters independently (such as after a stroke or Alzheimer’s disease). The main difference between durable and ordinary (or nondurable) power of attorneys lies in how long the document stays effective. Ordinary PoAs end automatically if the person who granted the power (principal) loses mental capacity.
Walkers Mobile Notary agents frequently notarize durable power of attorneys in Westchester, NY. In this article I’ll help you understand exactly what is needed to make your DPOA valid in New York.
Uses For Durable Power of Attorney in New York
There are many benefits to having a (DPOA) durable power of attorney in New York. Depending on the contents of the document, the agent you select may be able to make important decisions regarding your health, finances, and more.
Medical Durable Power of Attorney
Financial Power of Attorney
For an important document like this, you can rely on our Power of Attorney Mobile Notary Service. Get a professional notary public sent your your home, office, or healthcare facility at a day + time most convenient for you!
EVERY P.O.A NEEDS TO BE NOTARIZED IN NY.
Get an expert notary sent straight to your home or office. Save time and stress when its time to finalize your Power of Attorney!
Request A Mobile Notary
How To Do A Durable Power of Attorney On Your Own
We highly recommend you seek legal aid from an attorney when handling important life changing documents. However, an attorney is not required to do a NY PoA.
We understand many NY residents don’t have the resources or time to get the professional help they need so we broke down the process into simple steps — Now you can do it yourself.
- Download the free PoA form
- Complete the form based on your needs/uses
- Notarize your PoA to make it valid
Free NY Power of Attorney Fillable Form Download
The updated NY state PoA form is easier than ever to read & understand. The new form was improved by New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) and became effective in 2021 so you can trust that it will adequately cover your needs.
It is highly recommended to stick to this official version to give your document the best chance of being accepted. The form linked below is made available by Judicial Title.
NY Durable Power of Attorney Witness Requirements
It’s now a requirement in New York to have 2 adults witness the principal signing a power of attorney. Each witness will sign the document, print their full name, and fill in their home address.
Can the notary be a witness?
Yes, in NY a notary can sign as a witness on a PoA and also acknowledge (notarize) your signature.
Can a family member be a witness?
No.
Who else CANNOT be a witness?
Anyone named in the paperwork as agents(including successor) or permissible gift recipients.
Final Step – Notarize Your Durable Power of Attorney
Before a PoA can be enforced, the principal and agent must have their signatures acknowledged by an authorized notary public.
The problem is the average notary at your local bank or UPS will often refuse to notarize power of attorneys for trivial reasons. Even if they are willing to help, you can can expect to be met with long lines and inconsistent hours — It’s just not worth the headaches.
For an important document like this, you can rely on our Power of Attorney Mobile Notary Service. Get a professional notary public sent your your home, office, or healthcare facility at a day + time most convenient for you!
EVERY P.O.A NEEDS TO BE NOTARIZED IN NY.
Get an expert notary sent straight to your home or office. Save time and stress when its time to finalize your Power of Attorney!
Request A Mobile Notary
This publication is intended as an information source for clients, prospective clients, and colleagues. We are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice, so this content should not be considered as such. Readers should not act upon information in this publication without consulting professional counsel.
